Maintaining Fair Competition: Insights into the Foundations of Pure Athleticism
Sailing ain't just about mastering the wind and waves; it's likewise about making the right choices off the boat. With UK Anti-Doping's Clean Sport Week (19-23 May), we're reminded that fair play and keeping healthy are as essential as knowing those wind shifts or any sailing equipment.
So, we chatted with Ian White, Physiologist for the British Sailing Team, to delve into what clean sport truly means in sailing and why it matters to every racer, from amateur to pro.
Clean sport for all
Whether you're aiming for Olympic selection or participating in your local club race, the RYA Anti-Doping rules apply to anyone in the UK who's bound by the Racing Rules of Sailing. Athletes as well as Athlete Support Personnel, such as coaches, parents, and physiotherapists, have specific responsibilities under the anti-doping rules too.
"It's essential to be aware of the rules and the potential hazards from consuming supplements or medications," Ian said. "Everyone in sailing should be conscious of what they're consuming, whether it's food, supplements, or medications, and understand what they're taking."
Fairness, Awareness, and Self-Care
As one of the most celebrated Olympic sailors, Paul Elvstrøm, once said: "You haven't won the race if winning the race has cost you the respect of your competitors."
At its core, Clean Sport Week is about leveling the playing field and safeguarding athlete wellbeing.
"It's about playing or competing within the rules and the morals of sports and sailing," Ian explained. "For athletes and all of us sailors, it's about upholding our commitment to clean sport to ensure a fair playing field. For example, refraining from taking substances that would give an unfair advantage."
"Winning through skill and hard work rather than relying on something else," Ian added, "that's the essence of Clean Sport."
The Challenge of Supplements
The biggest challenge in achieving clean sport today is the misinformation, particularly around supplements. Young athletes are often tempted by marketing that guarantees quicker results or quicker recovery. However, as Ian warns, the reality can be far more complex.
"Supplements are largely unregulated, especially when it comes to manufacturing processes," Ian explained. "That means people can end up throwing money at something that doesn't do what they expected or worse, contains substances they're not aware of."
Genuine-looking products can still present risks, with some bearing fake batch testing logos or falsely claiming endorsement.
Ian advises using the Informed Sport website to verify supplements and only purchasing from trusted sources, not through third-party sellers.
Fueling Right
Instead of relying on supplements, Ian advocates for a more straightforward and secure approach.
"We really advocate a 'Food First' strategy – focusing on obtaining nutrition from a balanced diet before turning to supplements."
The basics still matter most. Good food, enough rest, and well-structured training will bring more long-term progress than any quick fix.
Medications and Unseen Risks
Even common medications can pose anti-doping risks – and it's not always immediately evident. That's why sailors should be cautious, especially when traveling.
"Some over-the-counter or prescription medications contain substances that are banned under anti-doping regulations," Ian explained. "A product you buy over the counter in the UK might have different ingredients than a product with the same brand name in another country."
Ian advises sailors to bring their medication during travel, ensuring they know exactly what they're taking, and to always check the ingredients through the GlobalDRO website, just to be safe.
Building a Culture of Clean Sailing
While the responsibility lies with the athlete, support from coaches, parents, and peers is crucial.
"Coaches, parents, and teammates play a significant role in supporting clean sailing habits," Ian said. "It starts with advocating for the basics – promoting high-quality food, solid training routines, and understanding that improvement comes from consistently doing the right things."
Creating an environment where it's okay to ask questions is crucial as well. If a sailor is considering taking a supplement, others in their circle can help facilitate the discussion: "Do you know what's in it? Is it necessary? Could food do the same job?"
Ian's Top Three Tips:
- Take a food-first approach - In most cases, you should be able to obtain everything you need from a healthy diet to fuel your training and progress.
- Beware of false claims in supplements - There's no such thing as a quick win.
- Focus on training - Putting the time and effort both on and off the water is the best way for you to improve.
Additional Resources
- RYA Anti-Doping Rules
- UK Anti-Doping (UKAD)
- UKAD Clean Sport Week 2025
- Informed Sport
- GlobalDRO
- In sailing, clean sport extends beyond the boat, applying to every individual bound by the Racing Rules of Sailing, including athletes and Athletes Support Personnel like coaches, parents, and physiotherapists.
- Awareness of supplements and medications is crucial in maintaining clean sport, as everyone should be conscious of what they consume and understand the potential risks.
- Clean Sport Week aims to level the playing field and safeguard athlete wellbeing by promoting fairness, adherence to rules, and self-care in sports and sailing.
- To achieve clean sport, Ian White, Physiologist for the British Sailing Team, advises focusing on nutrition through a balanced diet before considering supplements, being cautious about supplement purchasing, and being mindful of the potential anti-doping risks associated with medications, especially when traveling.
